Big East Report: Backyard Brawlin'

And a pair of sophomores shall lead them. That is the unexpected battle cry for Pittsburgh and West Virginia heading into Friday's "Backyard Brawl" that could determine the take-what-you-can-get Big East.

The Mountaineers' Geno Smith has been the cool game manager capable of quietly dropping a quartet of touchdown passes when he's on. Pittsburgh's Tino Sunseri is more the quick-strike artist attacking the deep midfield when not connecting with lengthy receiver Jon Baldwin on play-action passes further downfield.

Not that either program absolutely needs its quarterback to carry the team. Admitted Panthers' coach Dave Wannstedt to Big East media Monday, "To this point, both teams have been a little more effective from the defensive side." The Panthers have ridden a dominant defensive line that has been so solid they haven't had to blitz much. West Virginia makes its case with its unusual 3-3-5 alignment. "Schematically they know what they are responsible to do. It's a combo of strength up front, speed on the edges, and they've got good players," said Wannstedt.

Although defense is expected to carry the day, these are arguably the two most explosive offenses in the conference outside of Cincinnati. West Virginia looks to a trio of smallish backs/receivers who are dangerous in the open field. Everyone knows about Noel Devine but Jock Sanders has been the steady receiving threat Smith looks to, while sophomore Tavon Austin has made the most splash getting open downfield.

The Panthers rode slash back Ray Graham for much of the season, but have looked in recent weeks to an improving Dion Lewis. His sophomore season appeared well on the way to being a bust before waking up five games ago against Syracuse. He's averaged 5.4 yards a carry in that time frame, mirroring his record-setting 2009 output. Added Wannstedt, "We're gonna need him."

If Pittsburgh wins, the Big East crown belongs to the Panthers. If not, they still have a chance to capture the league title the following week against Cincinnati. Lose there as well, and the crown is given to either the Mountaineers or surging Connecticut.

Connecticut

Left for dead several weeks ago, the Huskies have climbed back into the Big East race thanks to successive takedowns of arguably the three best programs in the league: West Virginia, Pittsburgh and Syracuse. The strong finish has not been a surprise to coach Randy Edsall. "You take a look at the end of last year and this year and there's a lot of similarities."

The Huskies defeated Notre Dame and then toppled South Carolina in a bowl, launching them to sleeper contender status this year. The dream season never materialized, but Edsall's players have shaken off disappointing losses to Temple and Rutgers and the 26-0 shutout handed down by Louisville.

Some credit is due to resurrected senior quarterback Zach Frazer. Unceremoniously benched and then demoted to third string at midseason, only injuries and a suspension could get him back on the field. But he's made the most of the opportunity. "He's played very relaxed. If you want an example of a team guy, he's it," said Edsall. "He wasn't happy with my decision but did what the coaches wanted him to do and he's got us on a nice three-game win streak."

Home Field Advantage

There hasn't been much reason to write about the Pittsburgh student section, but Wannstedt provided the opportunity during the Big East media teleconference Monday. In discussing the benefits and drawbacks of playing in an NFL stadium, off-campus, he said that Pittsburgh's students may have bought out their entire allotment of season tickets for the first time this year.

It shows. One of my favorite Big East experiences so far has been watching the Heinz Field video board show the zany costumes, antics and endless joyful energy of the Panthers' student section. Their wardrobe is so unusual that their pre-Halloween home game hardly looked any different from any other game's attire. They're having fun and seem to have bonded with the team.

Quotable

"Its time to get over the crutch of playing eight sophomores on defense." – Cincinnati coach Butch Jones

"I wish people would look at the statistics and see how highly ranked these (Big East) defenses are." – Syracuse coach Doug Marrone

"I hope it will be a fun game for America to see." – West Virginia coach Bill Stewart

Rankings

How Big East programs shake out, in our view, after 11 weeks of play (Sagarin Predictor national ranking in parentheses)

1. Pittsburgh (31) Don't blow it
2. West Virginia (32) Quality
3. Connecticut (59) Jaws
4. South Florida (61) Close
5. Syracuse (58) Slide
6. Cincinnati (56) Bombs away
7. Louisville (49) Missed opportunity
8. Rutgers (84) More woe